Over 26,000 runners from around the world crossed the Japan Airlines welcome mat in Kapiolani Park for the 30^th anniversary of the Honolulu Marathon.  It was a spectacle beyond words as the mass of runners, including a film star, a prince and people dressed as hula dancers and Santa Claus, filled the streets of Waikiki and surrounded Diamond Head.

The entire weekend of events was celebrated in grand style with an attendance list that made this marathon the third largest in the United States behind Chicago and New York.

Pent up demand for one of life's ultimate vacation spots swelled participation from Japan to 57% of the field. It was the second largest finishers field ever and the biggest since 1995.  Organizers are now eager to keep the growth going.  Runners and their guests pumped over $61 million dollars into the local economy.

Hawaiians are known for their welcoming spirit and the Honolulu Marathon incorporates it well.  7,000 people showed up for a sold out pasta luau and concert prior to the race.  Many ate on the grass in front of the park band shell and sat spellbound by the animated lightning fast strumming of ukulele performer Jake Shimabukuro.  Those that stayed through the light misty rain were treated to two encores of great Beach Boy favorites by way of headliner Brian Wilson and his band.

Few marathons expos offer the views provided by the race headquarters at the Outrigger Reef Hotel. It was a great place to also lie on the beach or sip a Mai Tai if purchasing some of the beautiful merchandise offered by Nike didn't clean out your wallet.  Lines formed for several hundred yards to get autographs from the legends of running.  Organizers treated the runners to conversations with gold medallist Frank Shorter and American record holders Alberto Salazar, Mary Decker, Bill Rodgers, Greg Meyer and newly inducted Honolulu Hall of Famer Patti Catalano Dillon.

Fireworks blasted off the well-executed start in the dark of 5 am. Volunteers in reflective vests and flashlights held up signs as runners reached the park after a short walk or bus ride from the Waikiki hotels.

The elite runners play an integral part of the lore and history of marathon but they are dwarfed by the enormity of the runners and finish line set-ups.  This year the top three spots in the men's and women's fields were dominated by Kenyans and Russians respectively. Both were close exciting races. Mbarak Hussein beat good friend Jimmy Muindi by just four seconds in 2:12:29.  His winning smile would have captured many hearts too.  After finishing second three times Svetlan Zakharova finally came home as the goddess of Victory in 2:29:08

The finish area in Kapiolani Park is very much a part of the glamour of the event. Close to a hundred tents are set up in the park to host runners organizations after they cross the finish line. Free massage is offered by hundreds of therapists from the Aisen Shiatsu School that has provided this service since 1979. Many tents offered catered lunches.  One was so elaborate that it had a red carpet with velvet ropes along side Christmas trees where you were escorted inside by Japanese women dressed up as Santa's helpers.

Thousands of runners in their Hawaiian blue finisher shirts and medal attached to a string of pukka shells relaxed after the race to more entertainment outside a newly restored band shell.  Banners in both Japanese and English pointed everyone to their desired location to share in the camaraderie and celebration of the human and Hawaiian spirit.